One of the offensive weapons the San Francisco 49ers must contain on Monday night is Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who has posted 54 receptions for 748 yards and four touchdowns. The 6-foot-5 pass catcher currently ranks as Pro Football Focus' highest-graded rookie wideout, earning an 80.4 offensive grade and an 80.6 receiving grade.
Speaking with reporters before Thursday's practice, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked about his pre-draft evaluation of McMillan heading into the Week 12 matchup. The coach didn't hold back his praise of the young player.
"I think he's a stud," Shanahan said. "He's going to be one of the best receivers in this league sooner than later. He's got all the skill sets to do it, and I think he's just getting started."
The 49ers did extensive homework on wide receivers leading into the 2025 NFL Draft and ultimately selected Jordan Watkins and Junior Bergen in the fourth and seventh rounds, respectively. Asked whether McMillan stood out during the pre-draft process, Shanahan didn't hesitate.
"Yes, big time," he stated.
San Francisco didn't make its first selection until No. 11 overall, where the team drafted defensive lineman Mykel Williams. The Panthers took McMillan three picks earlier, selecting the Arizona standout at No. 8.
"We thought he was going to go before that (at No. 11), but you've got to cover all those guys," Shanahan added.